Green visions: Cultivating consciousness, from personal lifestyles to campus initiatives and beyond

This research project is motivated by the escalating global concerns for sustainability, emphasizing the critical need to comprehend how students can actively promote socially and environmentally responsible behavior. The central research question aims to explore the multifaceted impact of student-led initiatives on fostering sustainability within personal lives and on college campuses, examining both individual and institutional dimensions. Employing a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, the research combines surveys to quantify student involvement, qualitative interviews to delve into motivations and challenges, and a thorough review of existing green projects on campuses. Initial findings point towards a positive correlation between student engagement in green projects and a heightened awareness and commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Key themes from interviews highlight the significance of collaboration, challenges encountered in initiating sustainable projects, and the influential role of college clubs in cultivating a culture of responsibility. The relevance and implications of these results lie in their potential to inform universities, student bodies, and policymakers about effective strategies for enhancing sustainability efforts on campuses. This, in turn, contributes to a broader discourse on the pivotal role of education in shaping a future that is both green and socially responsible. Poster submission was sponsored by Dr. Siobhan Ashe, (Humanities and Social Sciences Department) for course SOCIO 2270 and was presented at the New Westminster campus on April 11, 2024, for Student Research Days 2024.